Jon Lester

Anthony Rizzo is celebrating eight years of being in remission

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:01 p.m. ET

Chris Bahr

Anthony Rizzo is having an MVP-type season, but he hopes to make an even bigger impact off the field. The Cubs first baseman is celebrating a milestone today and wants to make sure others can as well.

Rizzo, 27, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 18 -- shortly after being drafted by the Red Sox in 2007. Ironically, current Cubs teammate Jon Lester – who had just beaten lymphoma himself shortly before winning the decisive Game 4 of the 2007 World Series with Boston – was among those who spoke with Rizzo after his diagnosis.

And now it’s Rizzo who is stepping up. Earlier this week, Rizzo wrote a touching letter to a child battling leukemia and he’s taking his message to the masses for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day at Wrigley Field this afternoon.

Only 4% of Cancer funding goes to pediatric cancer research. We must change this and make sure every kid has a fighting chance. #LetsGoGold
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) September 2, 2016

It's Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day @ Wrigley. We will be selling Riz Merch on the concourse to raise $. #LetsGoGold pic.twitter.com/bWNdPPKD69
— A. Rizzo Foundation (@RizzoFoundation) September 2, 2016

For more information on how you can help, you can visit the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation website.

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